A major anti-encroachment drive near Raipur airport in Chhattisgarh led to the demolition of 77 houses allegedly built on government land, triggering protests from residents who claimed that several of the razed structures had been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The operation, carried out in Nakti village under the Dharsiwa development block on the outskirts of Raipur, witnessed heavy police deployment as authorities cleared nearly nine hectares of allegedly encroached government land.
The demolition drive was undertaken by a joint team comprising the Revenue Department, Raipur Municipal Corporation, and police personnel after authorities stated that all legal procedures, including the issuance of notices, had been completed. However, the action drew strong opposition from villagers, who alleged that they had been residing on the land for generations and questioned how government-supported housing schemes could have sanctioned houses on land now being described as illegally occupied.
The incident has once again brought into focus the challenges surrounding land ownership, rehabilitation, and the implementation of welfare housing schemes in areas facing anti-encroachment action.
Large-Scale Demolition Near Raipur Airport
The anti-encroachment operation began early in the day in Sammanpur (Nakti) village, located close to Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport.
Officials deployed bulldozers to remove 77 residential structures allegedly constructed on government land. A substantial police presence was maintained throughout the operation to ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
According to the district administration, the drive was conducted after repeated notices had been served to the occupants under the provisions of the law. Authorities stated that the affected families had also been given a final notice before the demolition exercise commenced.
The administration maintained that the operation formed part of an effort to reclaim government land that had allegedly remained under illegal occupation for several years.
Administration Says Legal Process Was Followed
According to officials, the encroachment removal drive was carried out only after following the prescribed legal procedures.
The district administration stated that eviction notices had been issued well in advance and that affected residents were informed about the proposed action before the demolition.
Officials further noted that an eviction order had earlier been passed by the Tehsildar Court, forming the legal basis for the anti-encroachment operation.
Authorities emphasised that the action was taken to recover public land and that similar drives would continue wherever illegal encroachments are identified.
Residents Protest Demolition
The demolition triggered protests from local residents, many of whom attempted to stop the bulldozers by standing in front of the machines.
Women and elderly villagers were among those who staged demonstrations against the action, while isolated scuffles reportedly occurred between protesters and police personnel deployed at the site.
Some protesters were also accused by the administration of pelting stones during the operation, although the demolition drive continued under tight security.
Residents maintained that they had been living in the area for decades and questioned the administration’s decision to remove houses that they considered their permanent homes.
Villagers Claim PMAY Houses Were Demolished
One of the central issues raised by the villagers relates to houses allegedly constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
According to residents, nearly 30 of the demolished houses had been built under PMAY, while two others had been constructed under the earlier Indira Awas Yojana.
Villagers questioned how government agencies could have sanctioned and facilitated the construction of houses under official housing schemes if the land was considered illegal.
They also pointed out that the settlement had been provided with electricity, drinking water, and other civic amenities over the years, reinforcing their belief that the settlement had official recognition.
Government Orders Inquiry Into PMAY Claims
Reacting to the allegations regarding PMAY houses, local BJP MLA Anuj Sharma said that no injustice had been done to any genuinely eligible family and assured that rehabilitation arrangements had been made for those displaced.
He further stated that an inquiry would be conducted to determine how houses under government housing schemes were allegedly constructed on land identified as encroached government property.
The proposed inquiry is expected to examine whether procedural lapses occurred during the implementation of housing schemes or land verification processes.
Officials indicated that findings from the inquiry would help determine responsibility if irregularities are established.
Rehabilitation Measures Announced
The Raipur district administration stated that rehabilitation arrangements had been made for affected families.
According to officials, residential accommodation has been arranged in Sector-30 of Nava Raipur for those displaced by the demolition drive.
Authorities also said that food, drinking water, medical facilities, ambulances, and healthcare personnel have been deployed at the rehabilitation site to assist relocated families.
Vehicles and buses were arranged to transport residents and their belongings from the demolished settlement to the designated rehabilitation location.
The administration maintained that rehabilitation was planned simultaneously with the eviction exercise to minimise hardship for displaced residents.
Land Ownership Dispute Continues
While the administration maintains that the land belongs to the government, villagers continue to dispute the claim.
Residents argue that their families have occupied the land for several generations and claim that the area is recorded in revenue documents as village common grazing land.
They contend that the settlement gradually evolved over decades and became an integral part of the village, with successive governments extending public utilities and welfare schemes to the locality.
The differing claims regarding land ownership are expected to remain a key issue even after the demolition exercise.
Anti-Encroachment Drive Reclaims Government Land
According to the official statement, approximately nine hectares of government land were reclaimed during the operation.
Authorities stated that the recovered land had allegedly been under illegal occupation for a prolonged period and that the clearance would facilitate future public use in accordance with government plans.
Officials reiterated that anti-encroachment drives are being conducted across various districts to recover government land and ensure its utilisation for planned development.
The administration also indicated that similar enforcement actions may continue wherever unauthorised occupation of public land is identified.
Debate Over Welfare Schemes and Land Verification
The demolition has reignited debate over the implementation of government housing schemes and land verification mechanisms.
Observers note that if houses under PMAY or earlier housing programmes were indeed sanctioned on disputed land, questions may arise regarding administrative verification processes and coordination among implementing agencies.
Officials have maintained that the proposed inquiry will examine these aspects while determining whether any procedural irregularities occurred.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide greater clarity on the claims made by residents and the administrative processes followed before the houses were sanctioned.
Administration Defends Action Amid Continuing Questions
The demolition of 77 houses near Raipur airport represents one of the largest anti-encroachment operations undertaken in the area in recent months. While the district administration maintains that the drive followed due legal process and was accompanied by rehabilitation measures, the claims made by villagers regarding PMAY-supported houses have added a new dimension to the controversy.
As authorities proceed with the promised inquiry into the housing scheme allegations, the incident is likely to remain under close public and administrative scrutiny. The findings may not only determine whether procedural lapses occurred but could also influence future implementation of housing programmes and anti-encroachment policies in the state.